Monday, December 31, 2012

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Someone gave me a jar of Peppermint Brownies by Skip To My Lou for Christmas.

I am SO glad she did.

These are REALLY good. I would never have tried themotherwise as I'm not real adventurous.Kaela was having a sleep over and I didn't feel like pulling out a recipe and baking. What is easier than a box mix? A JAR mix. You don't even have a box to throw away!Anyway, I made them.....I tried them.....and next year, I'll be the one giving them away as gifts...they are THAT good! (Not to mention making the for myself throughout the year!)

I have a link to her blog so you can check it out. There is even a cute label to go along with the recipe so click HERE to go to her link, you won't be disappointed. I used her original photo below so you can see how they are presented....so cute!They are slightly minty and chewy and just about TOO rich....perfection. (cue: large glass of milk)And BTW, if you've got a hankering for those Girl Scout thin mint cookies but can't wait 'til February, then try THESE instead. Truth be told, I may never buy thin mints again!

Monday, December 24, 2012

'Tis Christmas Eve day and our daughter is sickWith a low grade fever, sore throat and "ick."She sleeps on the sofa, covered up with a blankieThe rest of us hovering with trash can and hankieWhen what do I remember but the photos from last night?Before some virus foiled the night?Photos from travels to see Christmas lightsPhotos of places and yards lit up bright.

Then off to the park to see all the trees Too many to share, about 43!

Each school in the city has it's ownAll decorated with love to share with the town

A small little space in our little town squareWhen we arrived, there were lots of folks there!

Looking in windows, all decorated brightlyThis small little space is lit up nightly

So parents and children can come take a walkWander the sidewalk, sit and just talk

Some, like us, take photos to shareTo prove that St. Nicholas really was there

Much to our dismay, our evening cut shortWhen Kaela, poor thing, she gave a great snort! A sneezing spat followed, she 'bout blew off her headSo we dashed on home and we dosed her with meds!She ate some soup so we knew she'd been fed Then I gave her a toddie and sent her to bed!That was last night, this is todayI hope that this virus doesn't long stayFor tomorrow is Christmas and we've things to doBut no matter, for now....

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Warmth is snuggling on your favorite place during the cold holidays...

or jumping into the dryer while someone is folding clothes....

Warmth is baking fresh Christmas cookies with your daughter while Christmas movies play in the background....

and using cutters and sprinkles

to make someone happy as he samples every new batch.

Warmth is knowing you made enough so everyone can have one of each shape....

Warmth is making Kaela's favorite so she could take them to a sleepover and share...

Warmth is a surprise brought by the mailman...

Warmth is making something new.....

Warmth is knowing there is a bucket of goodies, already made and wrapped....ready to hand out when needed.

Warmth is knowing that tonight you are going to make hot cocoa and drive around with the windows open while looking at Christmas lights!Hoping you are enjoying the warmth of the holidays with your family!

Friday, December 21, 2012

I made a few more ruffled scarves before calling it quits for this year. I am pretty slow making these but it is good because it is a new skill. I have read that you start losing brain cells if you don't use them...so thought this would be a good way to keep at least a few of mine! This is for someone who works with Dean...

and this is for a friend who wears this color scheme all. the. time.

Then Matt showed me how to make these cute little origami hearts.

He makes them using dollar bills but I thought they would be cute ornaments...and would fit perfectly inside a Christmas card....

We used wrapping paper since that is what we had on hand. I think these would be precious as a little paper garland around Valentine's Day....just gotta find some pink paper!